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Name: Mohammed Faheem
Age: Old enough to vote.
Office sought: Plainfield Village trustee
Political party: Democrat - Running as non-partisan for the municipal election
Town where you currently reside: Plainfield
Occupation (employer): CEO — Center for Strategic Solutions
Spouse/Children: Rizvana Faheem; three children, Fariz Burhanuddin — son(attorney) married to Jena Burhauddin Gust (attorney); Juhie Faheem — daughter, masters degree in Clinical Psychology, professionally employed; Nuhie Faheem — daughter, masters degree in Education, middle school Spanish teacher.
Education: Bachelors degree in Chemistry, bachelors degree in Communication and Journalism, master degree in Communication and Journalism
Website: trustfaheem.com
Email: info@trustfaheem.com
Phone: 630-345-0202
Facebook: facebook.com/trustfaheem
Twitter: @itrustfaheem
Why are you running for the elected office you're seeking?
To contribute some value to the residents of Plainfield utilizing my extensive background in community service, business, workforce and economic development.
What skills, qualities or experience do you have that separate you from your opponents?
Extensive experience in community service, business process improvement, workforce and economic development. I have developed several nationally recognized job placement programs for youth at risk, veterans and dislocated workers for the Illinois workNet system. I am well versed in grants that provide assistance in attracting and retaining employers through the WIOA program.
I am a founding member of the Illinois reshoring initiative, which seeks to bring back manufacturing by teaching manufacturers a better way of operating offshoring production using the Total Cost of Ownership Estimator developed by Harry Moser. I am also a member of several organizations focusing on education, skills development and assistance for people with disabilities.
I am the founder of American Muslims Assisting, Neighbors-www.amaininc.org, a grass roots Illinois nonprofit working with faith-based and community organizations to implement service projects in the neighborhoods we live in.
I am also a founding member of Asian Political Network of America, www.apnausa.org, which aims to increase political and civic engagement of Asian Americans.
What are the greatest challenges Plainfield is facing in the coming years?
Economic development balancing the lifestyle needs of the residents is going to be a major challenge. Coupled with that, Plainfield has a history of relying on two main sources of sales tax revenue: Retail at 26 percent and gas stations/convenience stores at 21 percent as reflected in the current budget. With increasing ecommerce and the development of autonomous transportation, city leaders need to start planning right now for the eventual drop in revenues from these two sources and have a defined strategy for attracting new-age industries focused on technology.
The other big challenge is transportation and traffic congestion. Haphazard placement of industrial and supply chain facilities in residential neighborhoods without proper planning is not good for the residents. Traffic congestion is something that cannot be solved overnight, but developing plans to extend roads to nowhere costing millions is not the right answer.
If elected, what will be your top three priorities?
1. Balanced economic development respecting the lifestyle and needs of Plainfield residents;
2. Proper oversight of the village budget to achieve identified strategic goals;
3. Term limits for village trustees and the Mayor to promote new blood and new ideas to ensure the growth of Plainfield.